Embroidery Newsletter - StitchFun News

More Troubleshooting

3. Tension settings. You have permission to change the tension settings. They are there for you. Most machines are factory preset to sew, using a fine (50 wt.) piecing or construction thread. Quilters and embroiderers often use medium wt. and heavier threads which require loosening the upper tension settings. Whether your machine has an automatic or manual tension system, learning to adjust the upper tension will prevent and resolve a lot of frustration. On a scale of one to ten, the upper tension setting on most machines is factory preset to five. Automatic tension systems may adjust the settings down to 3 or 3.5. That may not be enough. With metallic thread, we adjust the tension down to a one, regardless of machine brand. The most commonly used tension settings for other threads are between 2.0 and 3.5. Don't rely on the factory preset tension.
Bobbin tension settings are usually more reliable, but it is still OK to make adjustments. Before doing so, make sure the bobbin case is clean and threaded properly. Use a permanent marker to mark the current setting so you know where you started.

4. Thread delivery. Sensitive threads, such as metallic threads, may need more care than others. Spools and cones are wound differently. Most spools are wound with a straight or parallel wind whereas cones are wound in a criss-cross pattern. On stationery tabletop machines, straight-wound spools often perform better with the spool positioned on the vertical pin spool holder so the thread unwinds straight from the side. If you position the spool in the usual manner on the horizontal pin, the thread unwinds over the end of the spool and puts a twist on the thread as it unwinds. This twisting action may cause problems with a sensitive thread. If your machine unwinds the thread over the top of the spool and not from the side, it is strongly recommended that you use only cones. Spools are not intended to unwind at high speed over the top.

5. Speed. Machines are getting faster and faster. Reducing the sewing speed often solves breakage problems.

6. Other factors. Some high sheen threads don't do well with adhesive sprays. Some fabrics are more densely woven. Some fabrics have sparkling coatings. On longarm machines, the tautness of the fabric between rollers affects the results (relaxed is better).

All these variables contribute to the end result. Fortunately, we have control over most of them.

Next issue: finding saved designs

from Bob Purcell of Superior Threads

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